HarperCollins Prod. Partners with Xentrix Studios on ‘Funny Kid’ Animated Series Adaptation

HarperCollins Productions, the in-house production company of HarperCollins Publishers, announces partnership with animation company Xentrix Studios Australia to develop a new 3D CG animated series based on Matt Stanton’s hit book series, Funny Kid. Aimed at kids aged 6-11, the series brings the adventures of  an 11-year-old aspiring comedian to life.

Xentrix optioned the books from HarperCollins Children’s Books and announced development in 2022. The companies are seeking additional co-production and broadcast partners for Funny Kid at the MIPCOM market in Cannes.

As an author and illustrator, Stanton has sold over 1 million copies of his books in Australia alone. His Funny Kid series stars Max, who uses his quick wit and humor to navigate the challenges of middle school. With his trusty grandpa and a quirky duck sidekick by his side, Max’s misadventures fuel his standup comedy acts, proving that laughter is the ultimate tool for surviving the trials of growing up.

“When I was at school, I discovered that being funny was a great way to get you through sticky situations. I created Funny Kid to be the ultimate kids’ comedy series for how to survive middle school,” said Stanton. “If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that all kids love to laugh.”

Ken Cantrill of Xentrix Studios added, “This project is a perfect example of what we love to do at Xentrix — taking fun and engaging stories and turning them into visually stunning animated experiences. We’re eager to present Funny Kid at MIPCOM 2024 and find co-production partners and broadcasters to join us on this exciting journey.”

Producers for the series are Caroline Fraser (Carmen Sandiego, Pretzel and the Puppies) of HarperCollins Productions and Ken Cantrill (creator of The Futzees, Snick and Willow, Peggy and Molly, Streetball) of Xentrix Studios.

HarperCollins Productions is the award-winning in-house production company within the second-largest consumer book publisher in the world, which develops and produces movies, TV and games based on HarperCollins properties. Its slate of projects includes Carmen Sandiego, Pretzel and the Puppies, The Oregon Trail, Danny and the Dinosaur and The Mouse and the Motorcycle.

With a track record of working with major media companies like Warner Bros., Marvel, Disney, Paramount and Nickelodeon,
Xentrix Studios has been involved in animation projects such as Ice Age, Angry Birds, Ridley Jones, Big Nate, Spiderman, Batman, Monster High and The LEGO Movies. The shop has established a reputation with global content and strategic partnerships across Asia and Australia.